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Raw sewage leaked into hospital chemotherapy unit

Contributor's photo Buckets and towels on the floor being used to catch dirty water that is leaking into the cancer unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in BrightonContributor's photo
Raw sewage and waste water has leaked into the chemotherapy unit a number of times this year

Raw sewage leaked into the chemotherapy unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

The sewage leak happened a month ago and has been fixed, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust said.

Earlier this week "dirty water" leaked into the unit but this is not believed to be sewage.

A spokesperson for the trust said the issue was "rapidly resolved" and apologised to "everyone who was affected".

Contributor's photo Towels cover a patient chair and some towels cover part of the floor in a patient area of the cancer unit at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.Contributor's photo
Leaks are believed to affected the nurses office and patient areas in the chemotherapy unit

They added: “Like most ageing buildings, the cancer centre is prone to problems and regularly requires maintenance.

“Sadly, a month ago there was a sewage leak in a staff area – this was rapidly dealt with, but was upsetting for everyone affected and we completed a full safety review afterwards.

"Ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control is essential for our patients, and colleagues.

“Separately, this week there was a water leak from a sink. Again, the issue was rapidly resolved but we apologise to everyone who was affected.”

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust An artists impression of a new Sussex Cancer Centre showing a modern five storey building with landscaped trees outside and a first floor balcony with a gardenUniversity Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
An artist impression of a new £155m Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton

Last year people were asked their views on plans for a new £155m Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton.

The redevelopment is stage two of the hospital’s 3Ts development programme which the trust describes as "a once in a lifetime opportunity for the people of Sussex".

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